Project Mode

We are once again in project mode, we jump through our lives from one project to the next. This month, Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Cars. It is exactly one month away and today we took the first major step, cutting out the shapes. The discussion and preparation leading up to today was extensive. Getting the kits, drawing our designs, drilling holes. All of this surrounded by hours of discussion and research.

Today we went to visit Grandpa's workshop where the magic began. He was kind enough to spend his afternoon cutting out the cars, teaching the kids about the different kinds of saws he was using (that counts towards an achievement in the official Scout handbook - bonus!), and offering his advice. All the while, Grandma kept the youngest of the Five entertained upstairs so he didn't interfere with the power tools and design process.

After Grandpa's work was done we came home for more project time. During this extended time, the parents (mostly David) did some sanding and shaping while the kids played. I know this is supposed to be the kids' project and the parents aren't supposed to do all the work for them. But reality sets in, they're only interested in sanding for so long, and the parents don't want the cars to look bad, so... The kids play.

My favorite part about the sanding at the kitchen table was listening to the sounds from the rest of the house. Pitter patter little feet running, THUD! Little person falls down but gets right back up. Pat pat pat goes E's hand on Shelly's back, gentle love pats getting harder and harder until it sounds more like slapping, she moves away and E starts his gun sound effects "shew! shew!" to which Shelly and Archer are supposed to either run away or fall down instantly. The sanding continues, sawdust on our clothes and kitchen floor, shouts of joy coming from a few feet away, another thud, more running...

Somehow this is exactly how it is supposed to be, with Mom and Dad (truthfully, mostly Dad) working on the projects while the kids run around. Someday they'll do it for their kids, because they'll want the best for them, the same as we want for ours.